Taking care of oily skin

2nd June 2012 :

Oily skin is annoying all by itself, but it can also make you more prone to acne. Oily skin is the result of your sebaceous glands being too active, resulting in oily skin clogged pores, and potentially more bacteria affecting your skin, leading to skin conditions like blackheads and spots. Proper facial cleansing is important for controlling oily skin and reducing acne and can reduce your needs for other acne treatments. Use these tips when washing your face.

Don't Over-Cleanse: While oily skin can make you want to scrub your face every five minutes that can make the problem worse. In general, wash your face just twice a day, once in the morning and once in the evening. However, if you have been sweating, wash your face gently immediately.

Pick an Appropriate Cleanser: Choose a cleanser that is non-abrasive, gentle, and alcohol-free. Avoid cleansers with sodium lauryl sulphate. This ingredient is too effective, and will leave your skin producing even more oil to replace what was taken away. Rinse your face thoroughly after cleansing with tepid water - never hot!

Don't Be Rough: Be gentle with your skin. Scrubbing will irritate the skin and can exacerbate acne, making for worse acne scarring. Instead, just use your cleanser and apply it with your fingertips.

Don't Forget to Moisturise: It might seem counter-intuitive, but even oily skin can become dry, and if it is, that can lead to even more oil production. You will still want to use a moisturiser, but choose one that is light and oil-free.

Be Aware of Your Skin: Oily skin on one part of your face can exist in combination with dry patches in other areas. If you have this kind of combination skin, make sure to use appropriate products for the different areas.